Streptococcus mutans in Umbilical Cord Blood, Peripheral Blood, and Saliva from Healthy Mothers.

The aims of this study were to analyze the presence of Streptococcus mutans (SM)-DNA in cord blood (CB), maternal peripheral blood (PB), and maternal saliva (SA) and compare with data collected in health surveys. Sixty-four healthy women with pregnancies to term and without complications attending for elective cesarean section in the Clinical Hospital of Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo were included. Samples of PB and unstimulated SA were obtained on the day of hospitalization and samples of CB were collected after the delivery section. Samples were investigated using polymerase chain reaction for the presence of SM-DNA using specific primers. The results show over 50% of the sample of PB and CB showed SM-DNA detectable. There was a positive correlation between the SM detection in PB/CB and SA (P < 0.05). Pregnant women, who reported tooth brushing more than three times a day, often showed detectable SM-DNA in PB and CB (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the majority of children can have contact with SM-DNA during the intrauterine life by the CB. SM probably transferred from salivary habitat to PB and CB. The tooth brushing can be associated to S. mutans detection in blood samples.

Streptococcus mutans detection in saliva and colostrum samples.

OBJECTIVE: To detect Streptococcus mutans in colostrum and saliva of neonates and compare with its detection in saliva of mothers. METHODS: Forty-three healthy women, full-term gestations with no complications, submitted to elective Cesarean section, and their newborns were included in the study. Samples were investigated by polymerase chain reaction to detect S. mutans in genetic material from the samples. RESULTS: Approximately 16% of colostrum samples showed S. mutans , but not correlated with the presence of the bacteria in both samples of saliva. S. mutans was detected in 49 and 30% of saliva samples of mothers and neonates, respectively. There was a positive correlation in S. mutans detection between types of saliva. The number of maternal samples of saliva with detectable S. mutans was smaller in women receiving dental treatment during pregnancy. Tooth brushing, three times a day, influenced the detection of S. mutans in both the saliva and the colostrum. CONCLUSION: Although maternal saliva may present S. mutans , few samples of colostrum present the bacteria. The presence of bacteria in neonate saliva may be related to contact before birth. Dental treatment and hygiene habits seem to influence the detection of S. mutans in samples of maternal saliva and colostrum.

Comparisons of IgA response in saliva and colostrum against oral streptococci species.

The present study compared IgA specificity against oral streptococci in colostrum and saliva samples. Sixty-two mother-and-child pairs were included; samples of colostrum (C) and saliva (MS) were collected from the mothers and saliva samples were collected from babies (BS). The specificity of IgA against Streptococcus mutans and S. mitis were analyzed by western blot. Only 30% of babies' samples presented IgA reactivity to S. mutans, while 74 and 80% of MS and C, respectively, presented this response. IgA reactivity to S. mutans virulence antigens (Ag I/II, Gtf and GbpB) in positive samples showed differences between samples for Gtf and especially for GbpB (p < 0.05), but responses to Ag I/II were similar (p > 0.05). The positive response of Gtf-reactive IgA was different between C (90%) and MS (58%) samples (p < 0.05), but did not differ from BS (p > 0.05). GbpB was the least detected, with 48 and 26% of C and MS, and only 5% of BS samples presenting reactivity (p > 0.05). Eight percent of MS and C samples presented identical bands to SM in the same time-point. In conclusion, the differences of IgA response found between C and MS can be due to the different ways of stimulation, proliferation and transportation of IgA in those secretions. The colostrum has high levels of IgA against S. mutans virulence antigens, which could affect the installation and accumulation process of S. mutans, mainly by supplying anti-GbpB IgA to the neonate.

Salivary antibody response to streptococci in preterm and fullterm children: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Secretory immunoglobulins present in mucosa surfaces represent the first line of defense of the adaptive immune system against infectious challenges. Preterm (PT) neonates' humoral immunity is diminished compared to full-term (FT) newborns. The identification of important antigens (Ags) of virulence of oral species may help in the investigation of the mechanisms of antigenic stimulation and the development of the mucosal immune response. In the present study, we measured saliva levels of immunoglobulins A (IgA) and M (IgM) and characterized the specificity of IgA against Ags of several streptococcal species found early in life. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. Salivary IgA (sIgA) antibody responses to bacterial species that are prototypes of pioneer (Streptococcus mitis, S. sanguinis, S. gordonii) and pathogenic (Streptococcus mutans) microorganisms of the oral cavity were studied in FT and PT children in two visits: at birth (T0) and at 3 months of age (T3). Salivas from 123 infants (72 FT and 51 PT) were collected during the first 10h after birth (T0) and again at 3 months of age (T3). Salivary levels of IgA and IgM antibodies were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A subgroup of 26 FT and 24 PT children were compared with respect to patterns of antibody specificities against different streptococci Ags using Western blot assays. RESULTS: No significant differences (P>0.05) in salivary levels of IgA and IgM between FT and PT babies were found at birth. At T3, mean sIgA values were similar between groups and sIgM levels were significantly higher in PT than FT (P<0.05). Western blot assays identified positive IgA response to streptococci in the majority of children, especially in the FT group. There were some differences between groups in relation to the frequency of children with positive response to Ags and intensity of IgA response. In general, oral streptococci Ags were more frequently detected and bands were more intense in FT than in PT, especially in T3. Prospective analysis of patterns of sIgA against Ags of different streptococcal species revealed an increase in complexity of the sIgA antibody response from the first day of birth (T0) to T3 in PT and FT. CONCLUSION: The patterns of sIgA response to streptococci Ags appear to be influenced by the gestational age, which might reflect the level of immunological maturity of the mucosal immune system.

Prospective evaluation of cytokine in saliva of preterm and fullterm neonates.

Little is known about the ontogeny of the cytokines in saliva of newborn. Previous studies showed that levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in saliva could be influenced by prematurity. So, the aim of this study was to analyze the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 12 (IL-12), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in sample saliva of fullterm (FT) and preterm (PT) neonates at birth (T0) and after 3 months of age (T3). Saliva from 50 infants (25 FT and 25 PT) were collected at T0 and T3 and analyzed by Luminex Corporation (Austin, Texas, United States) multiplex assay. Clinical characteristics and social-economic data were assessed through questionnaires. All cytokines could be detected at birth in levels higher than found in T3. The mean levels and frequency of detection of cytokines were significantly higher in PT than FT at T0 (P<0.05). There were a positive association between IL-10 and infection (P<0.05) and IL-6 and stress (P<0.005). Salivary cytokines were detected within the first hours after birth and their levels decreased after 3 months. The cytokine levels were different between PT and FT children and appear to be influenced by stress situation and/or antigenic microbial challenge. The results confirm the necessity for further studies about the mucosal immune system by using of saliva as a source of diagnostic by identification of biomarkers of the status of the immune.

Streptococcus mutans detection in saliva and colostrum samples / Detecção de Streptococcus mutans em amostras de saliva e colostro

ABSTRACT Objective To detect Streptococcus mutans in colostrum and saliva of neonates and compare with its detection in saliva of mothers. Methods Forty-three healthy women, full-term gestations with no complications, submitted to elective Cesarean section, and their newborns were included in the study. Samples were investigated by polymerase chain reaction to detect S. mutans in genetic material from the samples. Results Approximately 16% of colostrum samples showed S. mutans , but not correlated with the presence of the bacteria in both samples of saliva. S. mutans was detected in 49 and 30% of saliva samples of mothers and neonates, respectively. There was a positive correlation in S. mutans detection between types of saliva. The number of maternal samples of saliva with detectable S. mutans was smaller in women receiving dental treatment during pregnancy. Tooth brushing, three times a day, influenced the detection of S. mutans in both the saliva and the colostrum. Conclusion Although maternal saliva may present S. mutans , few samples of colostrum present the bacteria. The presence of bacteria in neonate saliva may be related to contact before birth. Dental treatment and hygiene habits seem to influence the detection of S. mutans in samples of maternal saliva and colostrum.

RESUMO Objetivo Detectar Streptococcus mutans no colostro e na saliva de recém-nascido, e comparar com a detecção na saliva da mãe. Métodos Foram incluídos no estudo 43 mulheres saudáveis, com gestações a termo e sem complicações, que tiveram cesariana eletiva, e seus recém-nascidos. As amostras foram investigadas por reação de polimerase em cadeia para a detecção de S. mutans em material genético extraído das amostras. Resultados Cerca de 16% das amostras de colostro apresentaram S. mutans , não sem correlação com a presença das bactérias em ambas amostras de saliva. S. mutans foi detectado em 49 e 30% das amostras de saliva das mães e recém-nascidos, respectivamente. Houve correlação positiva na detecção de S. mutans entre os tipos de saliva. O número de amostras de saliva materna com S. mutans detectável foi menor nas mulheres que receberam tratamento odontológico durante a gravidez. A escovação três vezes ao dia influenciou na detecção do S. mutans tanto no saliva quanto no colostro. Conclusão Embora a saliva materna possa apresentar S. mutans , poucas amostras de colostro apresentam a bactéria. A presença de bactéria na saliva de neonatos pode estar relacionada ao contato antes do nascimento. O tratamento odontológico e os hábitos de higiene parecem influenciar na detecção de S. mutans em amostras de saliva e colostro maternos.

Salivary IgA antibody responses to Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus mutans in preterm and fullterm newborn children.

OBJECTIVES: The intensities and specificities of salivary IgA antibody responses to antigens of Streptococcus mutans, the main pathogen of dental caries, may influence colonization by these organisms during the first 1.5 year of life. Thus, the ontogeny of salivary IgA responses to oral colonizers continues to warrant investigation, especially with regard to the influence of birth conditions, e.g. prematurity, on the ability of children to efficiently respond to oral microorganisms. In this study, we characterised the salivary antibody responses to two bacterial species which are prototypes of pioneer and pathogenic microorganisms of the oral cavity (Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus mutans, respectively) in fullterm (FT) and preterm (PT) newborn children. METHODS: Salivas from 123 infants (70 FT and 53 PT) were collected during the first 10h after birth and levels of IgA and IgM antibodies and the presence of S. mutans and S. mitis were analysed respectively by ELISA and by chequerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Two subgroups of 24 FT and 24 PT children were compared with respect to patterns of antibody specificities against S. mutans and S. mitis antigens, using Western blot assays. Cross-adsorption of 10 infant's saliva was tested to S. mitis, S. mutans and Enterococcus faecalis antigens. RESULTS: Salivary levels of IgA at birth were 2.5-fold higher in FT than in PT children (Mann-Whitney; P<0.05). Salivary IgA antibodies reactive with several antigens of S. mitis and S. mutans were detected at birth in children with undetectable levels of those bacteria. Adsorption of infant saliva with cells of S. mutans produced a reduction of antibodies recognizing S. mitis antigens in half of the neonates. The diversity and intensity of IgA responses were lower in PT compared to FT children, although those differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: These data provide evidence that children have salivary IgA antibodies shortly after birth, which might influence the establishment of the oral microbiota, and that the levels of salivary antibody might be related to prematurity.

Comparisons of IgA response in saliva and colostrum against oral streptococci species

Abstract The present study compared IgA specificity against oral streptococci in colostrum and saliva samples. Sixty-two mother-and-child pairs were included; samples of colostrum (C) and saliva (MS) were collected from the mothers and saliva samples were collected from babies (BS). The specificity of IgA against Streptococcus mutans and S. mitis were analyzed by western blot. Only 30% of babies’ samples presented IgA reactivity to S. mutans, while 74 and 80% of MS and C, respectively, presented this response. IgA reactivity to S. mutans virulence antigens (Ag I/II, Gtf and GbpB) in positive samples showed differences between samples for Gtf and especially for GbpB (p < 0.05), but responses to Ag I/II were similar (p > 0.05). The positive response of Gtf-reactive IgA was different between C (90%) and MS (58%) samples (p < 0.05), but did not differ from BS (p > 0.05). GbpB was the least detected, with 48 and 26% of C and MS, and only 5% of BS samples presenting reactivity (p > 0.05). Eight percent of MS and C samples presented identical bands to SM in the same time-point. In conclusion, the differences of IgA response found between C and MS can be due to the different ways of stimulation, proliferation and transportation of IgA in those secretions. The colostrum has high levels of IgA against S. mutans virulence antigens, which could affect the installation and accumulation process of S. mutans, mainly by supplying anti-GbpB IgA to the neonate.

Vacinas anticárie - desafios / Anticaries vaccine - challenges

A análise do sistema imune de mucosas através da IgA secretória (IgAS) na saliva contra Streptococcus mutans (SM), principal agente etiológico da cárie dentária em humanos, representa uma importante ferramenta para a busca de uma vacina anticárie. Streptococcus mutans (SM) pode se estabelecer e se acumular no biofilme dentário devido à presença de diversos antígenos (Ags) de virulência associados às suas superfícies. As proteínas ligantes de glucano (Gbp), as glucosiltransferase (Gtf) e as adesinas (AgI/II representam os Ags mais estudados e a análise funcional destas proteínas é fundamental para a compreensão dos mecanismos moleculares de virulência de SM e consequentemente para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de controle de infecção por este microrganismo. A elaboração de vacina anticárie baseada nestes Ags de SM vem demonstrando ser uma forma eficaz de controle de SM, pois são capazes de estimular o sistema imune de mucosas a produzir anticorpos IgA contraestes Ags. Desta maneira, a busca de uma vacina anticárie representa um desafio promissor e alternativo para o controle da cárie dentária

Ontogenia da resposta imune de mucosas e colonização por micro-organismos orais / Ontogeny of mucosal immune response and colonization by oral microorganisms

O objetivo desta revisão é fornecer informações sobre o desenvolvimento da resposta imune de mucosas, em especial da IgA secretora (IgAS) nas salivas de crianças (pré-termo ou a termo) e sua ação frente aos micro-organismos orais. A análise do sistema imune de mucosas representa um caminho interessante para o entendimento da colonização microbiana nos primeiros meses de vida, em especial a resposta de IgAS presente na saliva, pois esta representa a primeira linha de defesa. A maioria dos estudos sobre a resposta imune específica a micro-organismos orais residentes envolve o Streptococcus mutans, que é o principal agente etiológico da cárie dentária e vem contribuindo para melhor conhecimento e prevenção desta doença que ainda representa um enorme desafio por seu caráter multifatorial e tratamento difícil. Assim, o entendimento precoce dos inúmeros fatores que podem influenciar o desenvolvimento imunológico de mucosa e o padrão de resposta à diversidade microbiana adquirida após o nascimento podem fornecer importantes informações para a elaboração de estratégias de controle de infecção.